Suzhou China – 10 Best Hotels to Stay in All Price Ranges

Suzhou is a relatively large city that sees a large number of tourists, so there are of course a wide range of places to stay. There are numerous backpacker hostels for those on a budget, mid-range establishments, through to luxurious five-star hotels who will wait on your every need. Whether you are a cash-conscious backpacker, or a pleasure-seeking family, there’s something for everyone. Fantastic deals are up for grabs for those with the savvy to seek them out. The best area for shopping and sight seeing is the Gu Su district in Suzhou’s downtown.

We’ve identified our favourite hostels and hotels in the city, and here they are:

Budget accommodation

Backpackers and youth hostels are common and are widespread throughout the city. You can expect shared rooms, but they’re usually neat and clean. You’ll get free WIFI, and often the option to upgrade to a slightly more expensive private room and bathroom. You’ll pay from 50- 200 RMB for a private room.

1. Mingtown Suzhou International Youth Hostel

From 50 RMB, upgrade to private room for 148 RMB.
Set in a historic building, this funky hostel is ideally located for sight-seeing, only a 15 minute walk from the Humble Administrator’s Garden. You’ll get everything you’d expect from a hostel, and more. Free on site WIFI, a lobby bar and air-conditioned rooms are all perks. There’s also a cool lobby area where you can play a game of pool or have a drink. The staff are also super friendly.

Best facilities: Pool table, bar
No.28, Pingjiang Road, Gu Su District

2. MingHanTang International Youth Hostel

60 RMB
Centrally located in the ancient street of Shantang, it’s the former residence of a minister from the Ming dynasty. The facilities are basic, but it’s neat and tidy and the staff are very helpful. The location is convenient for sight seeing and shopping. Take a walk outside and you’ll find some great local restaurants, and vendors selling cool curios.

If you like pubs, this is the place to be! There’s also a kitchen where you can prepare your own food, and a self- laundry service.

Best facilities: free WIFI, laundry service
Guangji Road, Xiatang 61

3. Suzhou Joya International Youth Hostel

50 for dorm, 170 for private room
Situated in a more peaceful setting is this well located hostel that overlooks a canal in the preserved old town area. The Humble Administrator’s garden, Lion Grove and Guan Qian market are all nearby.

The architecture is in the old traditional Chinese style, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The friendly staff will offer you great local tourist advice, and you also get free tours to any garden in the city that’s listed on the UNESCO list. There’s also a shared self service kitchen.

Best facilities: free tours, WIFI, bike rental at the door
Daxinqiao Lane 21-1, Pingjiang District

4. The Big Terrace Youth Hostel

Shared rooms from 35 RMB. Private and family rooms starting from 135 RMB.
Free WIFI everywhere you go, and it’s only a short walk to the Lion Forest Garden, and the Suzhou Arts & Crafts Museum is less than 1 km away. Dorm rooms are shared but you get a kettle and a flat screen TV with cable. There’s a shared lounge, and the front desk rents out bikes.

Best features: location, cable TV
No.306,Pingjiang Road,Pingjiang District, Gu Su District

Mid-Range Accommodation

This makes up the majority of the hotels in the city, and they’re generally of a high standard. You’ll often have a choice between Chinese or western breakfasts, and the level of customer service is higher (room service, English speaking staff, airport pick- ups).

5. Hotel Soul Suzhou

383 RMB
Excellent location, walking distance from Guan Qian Street. There’s an awesome rooftop garden, laid out in classical Suzhou style. There’s a gym on site and your room will have an AC as well as a big TV.

Breakfast is a tasty buffet, and you can get healthy western style food from Brasserie 101. They also provide a car rental service which is very useful. There’s a great bar on site, too.

Best features: gym, family rooms

6. Garden Hotel

348 RMB
What we loved most was the décor of the rooms, they’re stylishly finished in a modern style- you’ll get AC, a mini bar, a kettle and satellite TV. It’s also very well located, at only a 10 minute drive from Guanqian street, and Suzhou Railway Station is only 5 minutes away. There’s also a laundry service, and if you or the kids are looking for some fun there’s karaoke and a games room. The on-site Chinese restaurant prepares awesome food.

Best features: satellite TV, restaurant
No.477 Liuyuan Road, Gu Su District

7. Ji Hotel Suzhou Guanqian Street

389 RMB
We loved this hotel because it featured garden- style décor, and it’s right on Guanqian street. It’s a good one for business people, with conference and meeting rooms. The rooms are classily decorated, and each one comes with free toiletries, hairdryer, cable TV and a kettle.

The helpful front desk will assist you with laundry and car rental services. There’s a great on-site restaurant (Chinese food), and you can enjoy drinks at the bar after a hard day’s sight-seeing. There are shops to buy amenities, snacks and curios on site.

Best features: décor, restaurant on site, location
No.66 Xiatang, LuoGua Bridge,LinDun Road, Gu Su District

8. Hanting Express, Suzhou University

From 200 RMB
A reliable national chain of hotels, so you know exactly what you’re going to get. It’s very affordable, and well situated if you want to explore the university. Jinji Lake is only 4.2 km away, so take a break from the city on its peaceful shores.

Rooms are decorated with a modern finish, and come stock with AC, TV, appliances and toiletries.

Best features: Free WIFI, affordability
No. 10. Fengmen road, Suzhou

Luxury Hotels & Boutiques

There are a number to choose from, and they rival competitors on the international stage. Expect high quality service from staff, and excellent facilities and spas. They usually have excellent food at their on site restaurants, where you’ll have a choice between western or Chinese style food.

9. Oakwood Hotel and Residence

Situated on the shores of Lake Dushu, this elegant hotel is only a 5 minute walk from Moon Bay Subway Station. With a modern finish, all rooms boast stunning décor. Inside you’ll find satellite TV, large spaces and a rain shower, and posturepedic beds. You can hire a car from here, and it’s a great place for hiking!

The gym is state-of-the-art, with the top equipment from the Life Cardio range. The Kids Club is great if you want to let the little ones burn some energy whilst you enjoy drinks at the bar.

Dushu Spring restaurant prepares top dishes of western, Asian and Chinese cuisine. The Moonlight Lounge and Bar is on the lakeside, the perfect place for drinks.

Best features: great gym, excellent food, Kids Club
No.6,Yueliangwan Road,Suzhou Industrial Zone

10. Pan Pacific Suzhou

1220 RMB
Adjacent to the Panmen Scenic Park area, and just 2 km from Guanqian street. Access to the scenic area is free, so take your time to explore the large area over your stay.

Rooms are kitted out with lovely traditional Chinese décor. You’ll get satellite TV, a minibar as well as awesome sweeping views. Unwind at the spa, or dine fine at one of their three restaurants serving Western, Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

Best features: spa, location, food
No.259 Xinshi Road, Gu Su District